Vail Daily letter: Vote for van Beek

Related Media

Over the last few weeks I have read campaign ads and letters of support for a particular sheriff candidate. I read the letters in support of James van Beek from previous Sheriff A.J. Johnson and Under Sheriff Ken Wilson. Van Beek and Joe Hoy were supervised by Johnson and Wilson. I remember the Kobe Bryant investigation and the building of the annexation to the detention center during Hoy’s tenure.

I remember when Hoy ran for sheriff against another deputy and now jail administrator, Capt. Bill Kaufman. Neither Hoy nor Kaufman had the experience he cites in his campaign ad now as Van Beek not having in comparison to Hoy. Maybe Hoy is right as to his experience; however, he challenges us to find a single duty that his challenger has accomplished that would qualify him as a sheriff in Colorado. I do not want to downplay the many accomplishments of the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office staff, many of whom were hired by Johnson. Those programs and confiscation of drugs accomplished by Sheriff’s Office staff do not necessarily qualify Hoy as sheriff. Pursuant to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, the fundamental duty of a law enforcement officer is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. Using the standards of the Law Enforcement Code Of Ethics, it is clear van Beek is very experienced and highly qualified. Please consider the relevant facts and exercise your right to vote. Thank you.